Research on the topic is mixed as many studies use various types of echinacea products. Some also looked at clinical inoculation of colds (giving people a cold), while others looked at naturally developed colds.

Here is a look at the evidence for each claim:

Prevention

Several studies have investigated whether echinacea can prevent a cold.

Taken as a daily supplement it may help to prevent sickness, however, it's not entirely clear.

One meta-analysis of 14 studies found a 58 percent reduction in cold occurrence from a daily supplement. However, that review has been criticized as it compares all types of echinacea products and this may not be scientifically correct (1, 3).

A more recent review concluded that echinacea may have a "weak positive" effect. Whether or not it is clinically relevant—meaning whether it will actually prevent a cold—is not known (1).

Reduces Length of Sickness

Taking echinacea at the first signs of a cold may reduce the length of sickness, although again these claims are highly variable.

The same meta-analysis comparing various types of echinacea found a 1.4 day reduction in sickness duration when compared to placebo.

However, a 2014 review found that of seven studies only one had a significant impact on the duration of colds (1, 3).

Improves Symptoms

There is no evidence that echinacea improves cold symptom severity.

A review of three studies looked at whether echinacea decreased the severity of symptoms such as sneezing, sore throat, cough and headache. Researchers found no significant effects (4).

Reduces Repeat Sickness

A recent review of six studies, including almost 2,500 patients, looked at whether echinacea supplementation can reduce repeat sickness.

Researchers found that in those with sub-optimal immune systems, echinacea use halved their risk of recurrent respiratory infections

Illnesses such as pneumonia and tonsillitis were also less frequent with echinacea use (5).

But again, this review compared all types of echinacea products so it's hard to pinpoint which is best.

Summary: It remains unclear if echinacea has benefits for the common cold. There is some (weak) evidence that it may help prevent colds, reduce the duration slightly and reduce the risk of repeat infections.

Are There Any Other Benefits?

Aside from colds, there are claims that echinacea can have many other benefits.

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